GRIEFER-Brute Force CD

GRIEFER-Brute Force CD
DETERRENT INDUSTRIES 2007
Here we have a full length CD by Canadian power electronics/industrial project, Griefer. It comes packaged in a real slick fold out cardstock case with silver print job. What sets this power electronics project apart from the others is their choice of subject matter. Instead of the typical serial murder and sexual fetish themes that the genre is known for, Griefer has opted to go with “Network Malfeasance”, which is a welcomed respite. Everything on this disc has a real kind of building vibe to it, its not such a "brutal" in your face release (besides some of the vocal work). Its much more subtle and smart, focusing more on composition and atmosphere then it does in attack or velocity. In fact, I think overall, this CD is mastered volume wise more on the reasonable level then it is on the absurd level. Though thats not to say it isn't those things at times.

The CD starts off with “Pentagon Takes Network Offline”, the track begins with a whining siren sound, in the background, junk clank rattles about. At about the 1 minute mark, a primitive drum rhythm begins and soon does the vocals. The vocals sound like they’re coming through a subway PA, very difficult to pick out any recognizable words. Drones of different colours come in and out until the only thing left is a looped scream and the percussion.

“Mpack VS Storm” features the same vocal treatment though has dropped the drum element. We have shines of feedback as textures build up and down like waves in a steady rhythm. The track suddenly ends with a quick fade out.

The third track on the disc is the title track. “Brute Force” begins with a low hum, its pitch wavering here and there. In the background you can hear the toying of perhaps a contact microphone, every now and then it comes blasting in like a renegade train. The vocals on this track are the same, but much lower in volume, not so overbearing as they were becoming in the first two tracks. The track continues this formula for the rest of the track until it delays away into silence.

Track four, entitled “Fucking Douchbag” starts off with a looped sirenish sound, with a really low end bass beat, the bass part is very quiet and would be hard to hear without headphones on. Then the vocals come back in, at this point they are somewhat starting to bother me, I think this release would of benefited with a little more variance in the vocal effects. As the track moves forward, the siren sound and bass sound rises in volume slightly. As they do, a percussive element begins, sounding much like an erratic heartbeat. Some metal creaking sound now and then. More reverb is applied to the vocals, making them sound much more distant and listenable. Then a high pitched ringing begins to take over the mix as it suddenly cuts out and were left with the closing heartbeat and clatter.

“Facebook” begins with an interesting pulsating synth sound, then those blasted vocals begin once again. Blasts of harsh noise and a repeating ringing comes in as each vocal verse comes to an end. The colour of the backing pulsating sound has shifted slightly though still retaining the same sound. Everything cuts out as a lofi rumble concludes the track.

The next track, “JSON”, begins with a killer low end rumble with a harsh texture loop accompanying it, rising and falling in pitch as a beep sounds. Feedback builds up and fades away, then builds up again. This is my favourite track on this disc. Varying rumbles sound. Things really begin to slow down as the various elements of the track fade away. We are left with some feedback and lofi low end rumble. Very good vibe and flow to this track, great atmosphere.

The seventh track, “Malicious Iframe”, continues the overall feel and vibe of “JSON”, with many of the same elements having a part here, though it is less subdued as the last track was. There’s an added element of metal clattering happening in this track, which sounds very familiar, though I can't place it. The vocals in this track have received a differed treatment and are a welcome change, sounding at times almost robotic.

The closing track on this CD, “Undetectable Virtual Machine”, begins with a the hum of analog equipment. The vocal treatment to this track is much different than the overbearing style of the first couple of tracks. It has a filtered swoosh sound, filter level rising as more power is added to the words. A rumble comes in, sounding almost like a brewing coffee machine. A mounting ring commences throughout the track.

Overall, besides the annoying vocals on two or three tracks, the entire disc kept me engaged. Good pacing overall; never once I was waiting for a track to be over with, gritty lofi vibe, and satisfying atmosphere was reached. I do wish a lyric sheet was included, though I probably wouldn't of understood much of the hacker talk.

By Jake Vida